semi-coherant ramblings from a band whisperer down at the Wave Ranch

Gig Review: China Syndrome at IPO 2016

China Syndrome’s wall of accolades is brimming this year, and deservedly so.

Their recentUsual Angst is a modern day masterpiece capturing maturing musicians at the crossroads of life. Looking back and looking ahead – then deciding that rocking out is probably the best and only course of action.

Audiences agree and continue to support the band online and at gigs.

You should too becauseChina Syndrome is one of this Vancouver’s top performing live bands. Great musicianship making riffs and grooves that much stronger.

Their collective stage energy and drive comes from drummer Kevin Dubois, leading that charge as one of Vancouver’s best drummers – together with knockout bassist Mike Chang’s tarantula-like ferocity of hand over fretboard.

Kevin and Mike push groove past “tight” into sublime, that point where audiences are no longer aware of bass and drums – they are only aware their butts are lifting off the bar stool and moving towards open dance floor.

Building on those transcendental rhythms, Vern Beamish and Tim Chan lay down dual guitar tonalities beyond riff & jangle. Always played with purpose, the guitar parts work individually towards a common goal of driving the song forward, building and releasing.

All members sing harmony vocals, providing a strong bed of lyrical support to Tim’s lead vocals. Tim continues to grow and shine as a vocalist narrating stories about life in general.

Songs. Music and bands are all about songs, and China Syndrome delivers a cohesive variety. From Power Pop to Funk to Foo Fighters type harder rock, it’s all about the hook and the groove.

Summer may be what these songs are designed for, seemingly the soundtrack for driving around with the windows open or boarding with your Vans and buds. End of summer touches them with that last bit of celebration.

Off the CD and off the stage,My Pal Dan is one of those timeless pop singles that jumps out.

Audiences agree and pulse on the dance floor while the band does there thing, a very groovy thing indeed. Go see the band and have fun.